Hey Dave, my last three builds have been specific builds for the type vehicle that it was going in and the use of said vehicles. High torque high hp 383 stroker with AFR heads, 6" Carrillo rods Probe forged pistons Scat 4340 crank complete roller motor Comp cam pushrods and rockers. This is in a '74 Corvette coupe that is an absolute ball to drive. I have dyno numbers that back up my sweat and tears.
The build I'm finishing up right now is a build based on the zz4 crate engine. I used alot of used parts for this build stock cast crank turned .020 5.7" 305 rods reconditioned flat top speed pro forged pistons. After ruining my World Sportsman II heads during bowl blending I ended up buying a set of bare Patriot alumimiun heads. This engine is going into a '86 shortbed GMC daily driver.
My local community college offers a high performance engine building class that features all the different machines that are needed to perform these builds at a very afforable price. Your grade depends on how close to your initial goal your completed build turns out. It's great